NEWS: Marin General Hospital Chemotherapy Suites Transformed

MARIN GENERAL HOSPITAL CHEMOTHERAPY SUITES TRANSFORMED
Local Nonprofit, Volunteers and Designers create a “vision of tranquility’ for patients, family and nurses

GREENBRAE, CA, December 7, 2012—Four chemotherapy suites, a family room and nurses station at Marin General Hospital (MGH) have received a complete makeover, with the help of Rooms That Rock 4 Chemo (RTR4C), a nonprofit that connects local interior designers with hospitals and clinics that dispense chemotherapy.Patients and nurses alike are delighted with the new look of the rooms.Patients love it,” says Faranak Haghighi, a nurse in Outpatient Infusion. “One of the most frequent comments is, ‘I feel like I am at home.’ Everyone is so much more relaxed in this setting.”That’s precisely the aim of the program to transform chemotherapy suites, the brainchild of artist Nancy Ballard, founder and president of RTR4C. After seeing some dreary chemo rooms in a San Francisco doctor’s office, she was inspired to donate a few of her botanical paintings to brighten up the rooms. The next day Ms. Ballard went a step further, sending out invitations to 20 local designers asking them to commit to redesign the rooms from floor to ceiling, free of charge. Within two days, four designers said yes.Since May 2011, RTR4C has overseen the redesign of 99 rooms across the US and El Salvador; rooms that have subsequently been used for 150,000 patient visits. Ms. Ballard says that she now has a waiting list of designers willing to donate their work, and a long list of vendors who will provide materials. Anyone can nominate a hospital or clinic for the service.With the interior designers and their assistants donating their time and expertise to create a vision for the rooms, Marin General Hospital Foundation helped fund the project to redecorate the Outpatient Oncology suites with new furniture, lighting, paint and artwork. The design team worked tirelessly over the course of one weekend to turn the rooms from drab to restorative, invigorating spaces. Two members of the hospital staff were also on hand to pick up a paintbrush or hold a ladder when needed. “The whole project was really a collaborative effort and the transformation was amazing,” says Noelle Lutz of MGH Facilities Planning.

“We ask each designer to create a space that is their vision of tranquility,” says Ms. Ballard. “Rooms should be peaceful, calm, soothing oases. The results have been amazing; patients, families and nurses are thrilled. One nurse told us, ‘When I sit at my desk it will be like looking at heaven!’”

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Testimonials

"Our employees love coming to work because of the great space you’ve painted! We get so many positive comments from patients all the time."
-Dr. Ann P., Alameda, CA

"Our girls love being mermaids and bathing under the sea! Our nanny even asked to stay overnight so she could take a bath with the fish."
-Debra Z., Denver, CO

"My tree is amazing. I want to just climb it and swing on the branches. I dream about it every night."
-Sophia M. (age 4), Alameda, CA

"We needed to replace our kitchen wallpaper with something that said "food" without being too overwhelming. Rachel came up with a beautiful faux finish and a grapevine accent that fits perfectly!"
-David Y., Alameda, CA

"We asked Rachel to work on an old table - we wanted something "grapey" but weren't sure exactly what that meant. She came up with a wonderful vision and painted us an absolutely beautiful grapes, leaves and vines motif. It was perfect!"
-Mary A., Redwood City, CA

"We will cherish our ketubah forever!"
-Deborah O., Boston, MA

"Beautiful, professional work. So flexible and easy to work with. We love our mural. It really brightened up the room. Can’t wait to get started on the next project!"
-Jennifer D., Minneapolis, MN